Your first year in business

Positive cash flow is when you have more money coming into your business than going out. It means you can pay your bills, cover your expenses and have money left over.

Positive cash flow is crucial for small businesses, especially in the early stages. But many businesses struggle to balance incoming revenue and outgoing expenses. This can lead to money problems like not being able to pay debts on time.

Tip: Keep good financial records to plan and track your cash flow. Use an online accounting system or set up a cash flow statement.

Standing out in a competitive market is tricky for any new business. Customers tend to buy from established brands more than new ones. Building trust with them takes time.

Marketing can be effective but also costly. As a new business, you may not have the budget to invest in marketing campaigns. This can limit your ability to reach a wide audience and attract new customers.

Tip: Tap into the power of social media for business. Channels like Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) can offer low-cost ways to reach new customers.

Regulations are rules or laws that say how businesses need to operate. They cover many topics including safety standards, environmental protection and financial reporting.

Understanding regulations can be daunting, especially for new business owners who may not have legal expertise. But if you don’t comply with regulations, you may face fines, damage to your reputation and legal issues.

New business owners often fill many roles in the business including sales, marketing and finance. But juggling so many responsibilities can lead to inefficiency and burnout.

Managing your time well is a skill you can develop. It involves prioritising tasks, allocating your time carefully and avoiding distractions.

Tip: Get a helping hand from digital tools and software. Use them to prioritise your efforts and even automate some tasks.

New businesses may not be able to offer competitive salaries, benefits and professional development opportunities right away. This makes it harder to attract and retain good employees.

If you’re ready to hire an employee but have a limited budget, focus on incentives besides money. Highlight the unique benefits of working for your business.

Tip: Explore ways to create a work/life balance.